In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan has been elected to the eight-member bureau of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam has been selected as the vice president of the UN Environment Assembly bureau to represent Pakistan on the global forum.
The United Nations Environment Assembly is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on all things pertaining to the environment. UNEA enjoys the universal membership of 193 member states and the involvement of major groups and other stakeholders.
The UNEA is mandated to ensure active participation of all the existing members and relevant stakeholders to promote better environmental policies to ensure a better future for the generations to come.
Honored to be elected by #UNEA to represent #Pakistan and serve as #VicePresident and member of 8 member Ministerial #Bureau – the governance body of @UNEP pic.twitter.com/oPmv338Y7t
— Malik Amin Aslam (@aminattock) March 2, 2022
The current ongoing session of the UNEA is the fifth of its kind, and recently on March 2nd, the assembly committed to end plastic pollution and forge an internationally binding treaty by the end of 2024. The resolution was endorsed by 175 nations.
The resolution marks a triumph over single-use plastic, which has plagued the world for ages. As plastic is not biodegradable, it accumulates in the environment and creates problems for the wildlife and their habitat. Exposure to plastic can also harm human health and causes many diseases.
Read more: Climate change in Pakistan: An undeniable reality
The selection of Pakistan on the eight-member bureau of UNEA is a testament to Pakistan’s efforts to curb climate change. SAPM to PM Khan on climate change said that this is a clear indication that the international community is appreciative of the country’s efforts against climate change. However, being one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, Pakistan still has a long way to go to tackle the slew of environmental pollution and climate change.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has initiated several efforts to this effect, such as Tsunami tree plantation and allocation Eco-System Restoration Fund aimed at driving development action against climate change. Pakistan has even moved away from conventional modes of power generation towards more sophisticated methods such as solar and wind.
Read more: “Green economic corridor” to benefit Pakistan in climate protection
The Prime minister’s aide on his election to the eight-member bureau said that he was “Honored to be elected by UNEA to represent Pakistan and serve as Vice President and member of 8 member Ministerial Bureau – the governance body of UNEP.” Addressing the UNEA session, the aide also assured the global community of Pakistan’s full support and commitment to achieve the environmental dimension of the 2030 sustainable development goals.